Dead World 1, page 16
Jesse screamed or let out a war cry. Red couldn’t tell which. Furniture crashed and banged. Something or someone bumped her leg, but she was too out of it to move. The last thing she remembered was feeling a warm, sticky liquid coating her fingers. Then there was silence.
Red awoke to find Morgan standing over her.
“Are you all right?” he asked, his voice cracking as he smoothed her tangled hair away from her face. He clutched a black bag, his knuckles white from holding it so tight. Was it the same bag someone had shoved over her head?
“What happened?” Her voice croaked.
His brow furrowed and he dropped the bag, so that he could help her sit up. “I was hoping you could tell me.” His thumb brushed against her throat and she winced. “Sorry.” He grimaced. “You have one hell of a rope burn around your neck.”
“Where’s Jesse?” Red rasped, blinking in an attempt to get her eyes to focus. “I heard her yell.” She swayed. “I think she saved my life.”
“She’s hurt pretty bad.” Morgan’s jaw clenched and his gaze shot across the room. “Kane is tending to her now. He had to sedate her after she tried to attack him. She was out of her mind with fright.”
Red tried to stand and gasped, clutching her side. Her ribs hurt, along with the rest of her body. “I need to go to her. She might have seen who attacked me.”
Morgan’s golden eyes flared. “Jesse’s pretty drugged up and won’t be able to talk for a while. She has a lot of internal injuries. Some serious. And her jaw was broken in the struggle.”
“Shit,” she muttered.
Red’s heart sank. She sent a silent prayer to the universe. Jesse had to recover. She refused to believe otherwise.
Morgan touched her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “You’re going to have a few bruises. I want Kane to check you out again. He only managed to clean up a few of your scrapes before we discovered Jesse behind the bar.”
“She was behind the bar?” she asked in confusion. “It had sounded like she was right next to me.”
Morgan stepped closer. “Let me help you.”
“I’m fine.” Red swayed as she got to her feet. “Pissed off, but fine.”
Morgan reached out and grabbed Gina’s arm. “If it’s all the same to you, I want to hear that from the expert.”
Morgan’s heart battered his chest. The attack on Gina had been too close for his peace of mind. If Jesse hadn’t arrived, they might very well have found Gina’s body in the desert like Renee’s and Moira’s.
He shuddered.
It didn’t bear thinking about, but he could think of little else. His muscles tightened as every protective instinct in his body surged to life and demanded that he mark her for her own safety. No one would dare touch her then.
He didn’t know how she’d gotten Moira’s blood on her, but this proved there was someone else out there hunting women.
Whoever was killing them didn’t care if they brought attention to their people. It was almost as if they courted it. Morgan couldn’t imagine anyone being so stupid—or insane—but there was no denying the facts.
Kane approached a few minutes later, concern shadowing his features. “I have Jesse stabilized, but I have to get her to the emergency care facility. How are you doing?” He reached out to examine Gina’s scalp.
“I’m fine.” Her breath hissed out of her lungs, when he pressed down.
Kane’s expression clouded with concern. “I hate to contradict you, but that lump on your forehead isn’t supposed to be there.” He shined a light in her eyes. “I don’t think you have a concussion, but I’d like to take you in for observation overnight.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’ve had worse injuries. Believe me. Just give me a minute, and I’ll have Rita check me out.”
“Is she a doctor?” Kane asked.
“Not exactly.” Gina hit a button on her wrist. Nothing happened. “Hopefully she didn’t get damaged in the fight.” She shook her wrist, then pressed the button again and her navcom came to life.
“Gina, what has happened? I am detecting injuries all over your body. Should I notify the nearest medical facility?”
“No, Rita, that won’t be necessary. The doctor is here.” Gina glanced at Kane. “I have something else I want you to do instead.”
“Are you certain?” Rita asked.
“Yes. I need you to on a body scan for me. Let me know if there’s anything I need to be worried about,” Gina said. “Also, scan my skin for foreign DNA. Pay special attention to my neck and right shoulder.”
“Scanning now,” Rita said.
Morgan looked at Kane’s creased forehead, then back at Gina. “Your attacker touched your neck. You mean other than to choke you?” It wasn’t a question.
“Yeah, he seemed really interested in the side of my neck,” she said. “It was creepy.”
Morgan felt his color drain as he reached out and moved Gina’s collar aside. “Where did he touch you?” he asked, trying to choke down the panic clogging his throat.
What would he do, if another had marked her?
An odd calm came over him. He’d kill him. The answer sent a shiver down his spine, but Morgan knew it was the truth.
“I think he kissed me right where you’re looking.” Gina’s eyes widened when she glanced at Morgan’s face. “What’s wrong? Is something there?”
Morgan didn’t immediately answer. Instead, he searched the skin around her neck and shoulders. “Nothing is wrong,” he said finally, releasing a heavy breath. “I just wanted to make sure that he hadn’t...injured you anywhere else.”
“Scan complete,” Rita announced. The tension surrounding them increased. “Gina, I’ve found several bruises on your arms, legs, knees, ribs, and throat, a couple of minor muscle tears, and a knot on your forehead, but nothing life threatening. Do you want me to call for backup?” Rita asked.
Morgan and Kane tensed.
“No,” she said. “The sheriff is here.” Gina hesitated, then added, “What about foreign DNA? Have you located any?”
“Negative, but I did detect antibiotic wipe residue.”
“You were pretty banged up. Kane cleaned your scratches to see how bad you were hurt,” Morgan said.
“I understand,” Gina said, but she wasn’t able to hide her disappointment.
“I could be of more assistance to you if I remain alert,” Rita said.
“I know.” Gina smiled. “Thanks anyway. I’ll call you if I need you.”
“As you wish.” The screen dimmed and the voice disappeared.
“That’s handy,” Kane said. “But I’d still like to take you in.”
Gina looked at Morgan in indecision. He reached out and gently touched the line of her throat where the rope from the bag had dug into her skin.
Anger pulsed thick and heavy through him and his nostrils flared. He hadn’t been here in time to protect her, but he was here now.
Morgan wasn’t about to let Gina out of his sight. What if the killer came back? He’d failed her once already. There would not be a second time. Anything could happen at the emergency care center. Even if he posted guards, there were too many people to watch.
Worst of all, he didn’t even know who they should be looking for. It was like trying to track a ghost in a cemetery full of them. He needed to take her where he could see the attack coming.
“I think it’s best if I take her home with me,” Morgan said without thought.
Gina’s eyes widened, and Kane’s head turned so fast that he had to have given himself whiplash. Any other time his cousin’s reaction would’ve been comical, but the effect was ruined when Gina winced.
“I want her someplace I can keep an eye on her,” Morgan said. “Someplace safe.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine here.” She glanced around warily.
“You have a knot on your head. You keep swaying with the slightest breeze. I’m not asking, Gina.”
Kane stepped closer, crowding them. “Cousin, I think she’d be better off at the medical center.”
Morgan’s gaze snapped to his and a rumbled warning reverberated from his chest. He covered it with a cough. “And I think she’ll be safer with me. Whoever attacked her, wouldn’t dare come after her at my home. It would be suicidal. Don’t you agree?”
Kane slipped an easy smile on his face. “Whatever you say, cousin. Whatever you say.”
Two orderlies entered the share space and placed Jesse on an air cushioned transport cart. They carefully guided her out of the building.
“Is she going to be okay?” Gina’s lower lip trembled.
Kane reached out and touched her hand. “She’ll be fine. She’s stable and tougher than half the people in this town.”
Gina laughed, but she didn’t look assured.
Morgan tipped her chin, until he could see into her eyes. “Kane won’t let anything happen to her. Trust me. He’s the best.”
Morgan led Gina outside to his transport. After he settled her, he went back inside to review the crime scene. There’d been one hell of a fight, mainly between Jesse and the assailant. She hadn’t been much help when Morgan arrived. Her body already in shock from the brutal attack.
The farmer that had discovered Jesse and Gina called Kane first, then the sheriff’s station. If he hadn’t, they might very well be dead.
Unfortunately, he hadn’t seen a thing. No one witnessed the attacker fleeing. Was it possible he was still here? The hair on the back of Morgan’s neck bristled. He took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.
Too many people frequented the water exchange. It was impossible to hone in on a particular scent, especially with Jesse, Kane, the farmer, and Gina being in the same room together.
Morgan climbed the stairs and entered Gina’s room. He quickly gathered her clothes and belongings because she wouldn’t be coming back here, if he had anything to say about it.
His fingers closed over her shirts. For a second, he brought the material to his face and breathed in. Her musk filled his nostrils and his eyes closed. He’d come close to losing her tonight. The thought nearly unmanned him. His jaw clenched and he shoved the shirt into her bag, then sealed it along with the other items.
He took the stairs two at a time. Gina’s eyes were closed and she rested her head against the doorframe. They sprang open upon his approach. For some reason, it comforted him to know that even injured she was alert and prepared for battle. She wouldn’t be taken down easily. He smiled as a sudden burst of pride swelled inside him.
She truly was perfect.
21
Morgan drove back to his place, taking care not to hit too many bumps along the way. Dust plumed behind them obscuring the view of Nuria as they drove out of town.
Gina dozed fitfully, her head bobbing with the uneven terrain. A bandage covered the lump on her forehead, but he could still see the shadow from the newly forming bruise on her cheek and the glaring line around her neck.
His grip tightened on the wheel until his knuckles cracked. Impotent rage stormed his senses, leaving him battered and weary. How dare a rogue wolf come into his town, his territory and threaten all those under his protection. Only a rogue would be stupid enough to leave bodies lying around.
Morgan’s muscles spasmed, throwing him back against the seat with a smack. Pain sliced through his skull as the beast tried to claw its way out. The rogue was not only trying to bring danger to the town, but he was also challenging Morgan’s pack status.
No one would take over leadership of Nuria without a fight. Morgan took a deep breath and released it slowly. He repeated the action twice more until his precarious control slipped back into place.
Gina had been through enough already. She didn’t need him frightening her. She wasn’t prepared to face the truth. And he wasn’t sure she’d ever be.
He reached out and touched a wisp of her hair. The silken strands slid through his fingertips. It was silly, but Morgan needed to feel her to prove to himself that she was really okay. He inhaled her delicious scent into his lungs. Her fragrance calmed the beast’s bloodlust but did little to slake his desire.
Morgan pulled into the drive leading to his home. Gravel crunched under his tires. He glanced at Gina, but she was still asleep. He hated to wake her, but she’d be far more comfortable in his bed.
The thought of Gina twisting in his sheets naked brought his erotic dream crashing to the forefront. He’d never get the scent of her off his rest pad. Morgan nearly groaned as he parked and shut down the motor. He reached over to touch her but at the last second hesitated.
What would she think of his home? Would the modest size bother her? Would she hate the sparsely decorated space?
Suddenly the nerves in his stomach erupted. He shook his head at his own foolishness. It wasn’t like she’d be staying in Nuria, so he had no need for concern. Yet, the fluttering in his abdomen continued as he brushed the side of Gina’s neck with a fingertip.
She jerked awake. Her eyes were wild and unfocused as she took in the interior of the cab. “Get off me,” she cried, her fists flailing.
Morgan controlled her movements. He didn’t want her to hurt herself. “It’s okay, Gina. It’s me. Morgan,” he said softly. “I woke you up to let you know that we’re here.” He nodded in the direction of his house.
It took Red’s mind a second to register Morgan’s words. Hell, for a second, she’d glimpsed his dark wavy hair and thought her attacker had returned.
“I’m sorry.” Red brushed the hair out of her face. Her ponytail had come lose during the struggle and she hadn’t bothered to re-tie it. She blinked out the windshield and spotted a tidy little sand-colored home that looked well cared for. “Nice. Let’s go inside.”
Morgan’s home was sparsely decorated, the furnishing kept to a bare minimum based on need of use. Yet, it held a warmth with its light brown walls and tan ceilings that her unit had never achieved.
“Can I get you something to eat?” He moved into the kitchen and pressed a button on his food and beverage dispenser. There was a clank, then a synth-beer popped out. He twisted the lid and tipped it back, taking a big swallow.
“I could use one of those.” Red eyed the beer with longing. “My throat’s too sore to do justice to anything solid.”
His lips thinned and he nodded. Another beer popped down. He opened the container and handed it to her. “Have you remembered anything else?” he asked, taking another swig of the frothy brew.
Red shook her head. “I’ve told you everything I know. It happened so fast. I barely heard him coming and by the time I had, it was too late. He had to have been waiting for me. That’s the only explanation that makes any sense.”
He nodded.
“The only way he could’ve stayed hidden is if he knew his way around town.” She sipped her beer, the cold feeling good against her raw throat. “But why me? Why now? How did he know I was there?”
Morgan ran his hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. “I don’t know. He must have been watching you for a while. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.”
She shivered at the thought. “Do you think I was getting too close to something?”
Morgan drained the contents of his beer in one gulp. “You can take the rest pad.”
Red glanced through the open archway at the unmade pad beyond. It wasn’t hard to picture Morgan’s naked body sprawled beneath the bedding. Her gaze dropped to the front of his pants and heat flooded her face.
She cleared her throat. “Where are you going to sleep?” Red asked, not sure what answer she wanted to hear.
Morgan stared into her eyes searchingly. Desire flashed between them, crackling the air. His lips quirked. “I think you’ve had enough excitement for one night. I’ll take the chair. It’s comfortable enough. I don’t plan to sleep anyway.”
“You can’t do that,” she protested. “This is your house. I don’t need someone to stand guard over me. He may have gotten the jump on me once, but it won’t happen again.”
He stared at her hard, his expression stony, daring her to continue. Red nodded and picked up her bag. Morgan showed her where the cleansing room was and then left her to go call Kane.
Red cleaned herself the best she could, cringing at her reflection in the mirror. She knew it could be worse, but she’d probably have a shiner in the morning. She finished up quickly and exited in time to hear Morgan ask Kane about Jesse.
“How is she doing? Has she settled down enough to give you a description?” He paused. “I see.”
She took a step forward, not wanting to eavesdrop, but desperate for news on the woman’s condition.
“Right.” Morgan let out a frustrated breath. “Can I question her tomorrow?”
Red edged closer.
Morgan spotted her and waved her forward. “Okay, I understand. I’ll catch up with you then. What was that?” He glanced at her. “She seems to be doing fine. Standing in front of me now, waiting for me to disconnect. Yeah, got to go. Bye.” He severed the connection.
“How is Jesse?” Red asked, bracing for his answer.
Morgan looked at her, his amber eyes glistening with unexpressed emotion. “She’s stable for now. Got out of surgery forty-five minutes ago. Kane’s done everything he can for her. All we can do now is wait.”
She clenched her fists. “I feel so useless standing around here. I couldn’t help her back at the share space. I couldn’t even save myself.”
Morgan reached for her hands and gently uncurled her fingers. His rough pads brushed the fleshy part of her palm and heat radiated up her arms.
“Right now, the best thing you can do for Jesse is to get some rest and heal. She wouldn’t want you pushing yourself after what you’ve both been through.”
Red reluctantly pulled her hands out of Morgan’s grasp. His touch was distracting enough without the hint of caring in his voice. She’d never seen this side of him. It was disconcerting. Wonderfully so. It would be so easy to let go and fall into his embrace. He offered strength and safety with no strings attached.
